The ability to use sport as a pathway to support Australian veterans has been enhanced through a new partnership.
The Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research initiative brings together Queensland’s peak sporting bodies with the veteran community to foster healthier and connected lives through research.
Gallipoli Medical Research Chief Executive Officer Miriam Kent said the collaboration recognised that sport provided a trusted gateway to belonging and recovery for veterans.
“Sport can play a vital and visible role in honouring, supporting, and empowering veterans and their families,” Ms Kent said.
“Queensland sporting bodies are joining forces with Gallipoli Medical Research to support veterans and their families through awareness, advocacy, and fundraising,” she said.
Queensland Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said partnerships would bring the unifying power of sport to “honour, support, and uplift” Australian military veterans.
“There are so many parallels between sport and military service: teamwork; leadership; physical fitness; endurance; and tactical thinking, to name a few,” Minister Mander said.
“As Queensland prepares to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there is no better time to demonstrate how veterans and sport together can inspire resilience, inclusion and legacy.”
Ms Kent said as part of the initiative, Gallipoli Medical Research, which is based at Greenslopes Private Hospital and addresses biopsychosocial health issues impacting veterans, their families, and the wider Australian community, would continue to strengthen its partnership with Invictus Australia, who aim to foster positive wellbeing for veterans and their families through sport to support social, mental and physical health both during and after service.
